C.S. Robertson's "The Trials of Marjorie Crowe" is a compelling historical fiction novel that transports readers to the early 20th century, where they follow the dramatic and turbulent life of Marjorie Crowe. The novel is richly detailed, immersing readers in the social and political challenges of the time, particularly those facing women striving for independence and recognition.

Robertson skillfully blends factual historical context with fictional elements, creating a narrative that is both educational and deeply engaging. Marjorie's character is well-crafted and complex, her resilience and determination making her an inspiring protagonist. As she faces various trials, from personal betrayals to broader societal conflicts, Marjorie's journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and evolve.

"The Trials of Marjorie Crowe" is an evocative read, perfect for those who appreciate historical depth, strong character development, and stories of struggle and triumph. It offers a vivid look at the hardships and victories of a bygone era, resonating with readers who enjoy exploring the past through the lens of rich, narrative storytelling.

I was really excited about this but it wasn't quite what I expected or hoped for.
That said, it was still an enjoyable read, even if I picked it up at the start of a 4 month long (and counting) slump so took me a while to get through.

I didn't find myself shocked by any reveals. Not because I saw them coming, but I just.. didn't get gripped by it.
I do think the author is one I would read from again and I'd be interested to go back and read their debut.

3.75 stars

An interesting and unusual story. Village suspicion and an alternative lifestyle arouse the village into hatred of a person who is of no danger to anyone.
Her unusual behaviour makes everyone think she is mad and in reality she is anything but, as she proves to the village later.
I just love learning new words and Widdershins will be the latest.
A nice story.

Are you looking for a beautifully written, character driven novel? Then I think I have found the perfect book for you. The Trials of Marjorie Crowe is CS Robertson’s latest book and if you have read The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill, then you will have some idea of how well Craig creates these fascinating female characters and really gets under the readers skin.

Marjorie Crowe has lived in a tiny village in Scotland for the past 25 years. She keeps herself to herself and the locals are happy to ignore her. They don’t know anything about her from her age, previous occupation or family. The general consensus is that she is “odd” and best left alone. The only thing they know for certain is that twice a day for the past 20+ years, she walks around the village like clockwork.

One morning everything changes when Marjorie stumbles upon Charlie McKee’s body hanging from a tree, but once the police get involved she becomes a person of interest rather than a witness and soon the entire village has turned against her.

However, Marjorie is made from sterner stuff than the average pensioner, and despite the constant abuse and online vitriol she is subjected to, she is determined to find out what happened to Charlie McKee.

When another teenage boy goes missing, she finds herself the centre of a witch hunt but she won’t back down or be scared off from digging deeper into the past of the village and discovering what is happening in the village of Kilgoyne.

This is a really atmospheric story with fascinating characters. Some of the characters are wonderful and some are absolutely despicable, but all them are brought to life with such depth and clarity. This is a murder mystery with heart and I defy anyone not to fall in love with Marjorie by the end of the story.

How do you solve a murder when everyone thinks you’re guilty?

Marjorie Crowe lives in Kilgoyne, Scotland. The locals put her age at somewhere between 55 and 70. They think she’s divorced or a lifelong spinster; that she used to be a librarian, a pharmacist, or a witch. They think she’s lonely, or ill, or maybe just plain rude. For the most part, they leave her be.

But one day, everything changes.

Local teenager Charlie McKee is found hanging in the woods, and Marjorie is the first one to see his body. When what she saw turns out to be impossible, the police have their doubts. And when another young person goes missing, the tide of suspicion turns on her.

Is Marjorie the monster, or the victim? And how far will she go to fight for her name?

I loved C.S. Robertson’s debut The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill in 2022 and its memorable protagonist. The author is back with another unforgettable character in the form of Marjorie. The author’s style of writing, the inclusion of historical details dating from the time of the witch trials in Scotland and the exploration of the relentless online pursuit of Marjorie by strangers was superb. Marjorie is a figure who will stick with you for a long time after you’ve read the book, and the comparison between how she is treated by contemporary society versus the hysteria of the witch trials in the past was both disturbing and unsettling.

This story’s mix of historic events, the supernatural and a modern day mystery/crime works perfectly to create a very powerful tale of how those who live on the edge of society are instantly regarded as “other” or “dangerous” are still regarded to this day.

Robertson’s storytelling ability is remarkable and I can’t wait to see what he writes next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the arc. The Trials of Marjorie Crowe is out now. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a really interesting read, mixing a lot of historical elements in the main police/crime story. Can't recommend this enough! Thanks to NetGalley, the editor and the author for the opportunity to access this copy.

Marjorie Crowe is regarded as an oddity by the locals in a remote Scottish village and the kids think she is a witch. But when she finds a teenage boy hanging in the woods, tensions rise as Marjorie comes under suspicion. Spellbinding.

Wow, this book l eft me speechless. It's so well written, a really intriguing story which incorporates the supernatural with police procedural and some amateur detective with witch hunts. A really great read.

There's so much to love in this story that I'm not sure how to start: a great FMC, a mix of old-style witch hunt and part crime story, a surprising story that you never know where it's driving you.
Great storytelling and a gripping plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Really enjoyed this book.

The premise is excellent, with a relatable protagonist. The author blends the history of witch trials really well with the modern art of ‘trolling’ which really makes this a stand out.

Well written and easy to read.

This was another level of brilliant….honestly I had no idea where this was going or what would happen. I absolutely adored Marjorie and when you learn her back story you will too, so sad in parts and funny in others this book is full of twists. Turns, red herrings and all the good stuff…sheer brilliance from the author!!!!

C.S. Robertson is the author of The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill, one of my favourite books of 2022. Now we are introduced to another unforgettable and high original character, Marjorie Crowe.
Majorie has lived in the small Scottish town of Kilgoyne for 25 years. The locals think she is odd, particularly as she takes the same walk around the village twice a day, at precisely the same time. Some think she may be a witch but largely she is ignored.
One morning she comes across the suicide of a young teen, yet when the death is investigated it seems impossible that she saw the body when she did. As the locals question whether she somehow foretold the death another boy goes missing. Now Marjorie is at the centre of a vicious storm of suspicion and abuse, can she somehow clear her name and solve the case?
As we find out why Majorie moved to the village and what has been happening under the surface of this sleepy place, all is certainly not as it seems.
Majorie is a brilliant character, usually not afraid to speak her mind, she is terrified of the mob that is seemingly baying for her blood. She has to embrace the ways of her grandmother and the tricks of modern technology to show them the truth. I particularly enjoyed her growing friendship with the police who were originally sent to investigate her. The story is peppered with true stories of witches who were killed during in Scotland, all awful miscarriages of justice.
This is fantastic novel, both entertaining and enlightening. What more could you ask for?

This, although it's still only February, is my favourite read of 2024 so far.
Occasionally you read a crime fiction novel that really pushes the boundaries of the genre and makes you sit up and take notice and The Trials of Marjorie Crowe is one such book.
Part police procedural, part amateur detective this book delves into themes of witchcraft and folklore (past and present) against the backdrop of a current murder and in doing so it effectively draws parallels between the hate crime of the witch trials and the destructive elements of contemporary social media. It is a compelling mystery that engages the grey cells and kept me hooked
The setting is an imaginary Scottish town, but it was drawn so well and so atmospherically that I could almost imagine I'd visited it, however, it was the characterisation of the titular character, Marjorie Crowe, that really drew me in and kept me reading on. What a delight it was to spend time in the company of Marjorie, who is such an enigma any yet such an appealing character. You never quite know where you are with her and as an unreliable narrator, you are kept on your toes trying to sieve out the facts.
Thoroughly compelling and delightfully different. I loved it

The Trials of Marjorie Crowe by C S Robertson is the story of the village of Kilgoyne, Scotland where a teenager goes missing and another is found hanging. Marjorie Crowe moved to the village for peace and the villagers look at her as an eccentric or a witch. She finds the body of Charlie hanging hours before he is officially found dead.
Speculation turns to Marjorie when another teenager is missing and villagers try to hound her out of her home but others know that Marjorie is a victim and she is not responsible for the evil that is in the village.
With the help of the police, Marjorie is able to solve the mystery and then recovers the body of another teenager missing for many years.
Recommended

The Trials of Marjorie Crowe is yet another wonderful portrayal of a very unusual woman, in a vivid and immersive 5-star crime novel.

Marjorie Crowe has live in Kilgoyne, Scotland, for 25 years, but locals are still not sure about her. How old is she? What’s her story? And most important of all, is she a witch? When the death of a teenage boy occurs, the whole village turns on her, projecting all of their fear and rage onto this one lone woman.

This is a multilayered novel with interconnecting themes: social cohesion and social disconnection; the way women – especially old(er) – women are perceived, and how they are expected to behave; the persecution of witches through the ages and mysognyny in general; and teenage angst and those who take advantage of it. And of course, murder.

It’s also about the beauty and majesty of nature, in particular the haunting beauty of the Scottish countryside. The setting is vividly and beautifully described, transporting you to the scenes.

Robertson gets under the skin and into the minds of his female protagonists to an extent I rarely see in male writers (these days at least). I’m impressed.

In fact, this novel impressed me at least as much as his previous novel, The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill, although that’s a very, very different story. And Marjorie Crowe is a very different character to Grace, although they are both rather weird, social outcasts. Marjorie is the descendent of a line of women who some might call ‘witches’. The parallels between her life and the lives of women persecuted in the past are deftly revealed in (no doubt factually-based) vignettes of women ‘wirried and burnt’ after being accused of witchcraft.

The mystery at the heart of the novel revolves around teenagers, secrets and a possible satanist cult. And at every turn, the clues seem to come back and point the finger of suspicion at Marjorie Crowe. Despite the violence against her, she is determined to stand her ground, figure out what’s happening and prove her innocence.

C.S. Robertson is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing an ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest no matter how I acquire the book.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I really enjoyed this book-so different. The author's way of wording each sentence is fabulous. Such a refreshing change. Definitely a recommended read.

Marjorie Crowe lives alone in a cottage in the woods in Kilgoyne, Scotland. Locals think her a batty old woman, with local gossip putting her at 55 to 70, a divorced, lifelong spinster, librarian, pharmacist or witch. Take your pick. She has a routine, rain or shine, to walk the village, a specific set route which takes her straight through the front door and out the back of the local pub. An odd habit in anyone, even Marjorie will concede. She likes her solitude, her routine, her herbs and tinctures, and her peace. If the villagers think her odd, so be it. Some come to her for natural remedies and advice, some avoid her, and some call her names behind her back. Overall, she has a quiet, peaceful life, just as she wishes.

Then local teenager, Charlie McKee, is found hanging in the woods. Marjorie is the first person to see his body. What she saw along with his body was impossible though. Police doubt the timeline of her story. Also, if she did find him hanged, why didn’t she report it immediately? Locals are furious, could he have been saved if Marjorie had called someone straight away? Suspicion starts to fall on her. She had been seen arguing with McKee recently. Then another teenager goes missing whom she had also been seen fighting with. Marjorie has to work to clear her name, and not only fight for her reputation but for her life and the lives of others.

This story was well written, with a weaving of crime and supernatural. This left you wondering if it was preconceived notions and assumptions having you thinking things were occurring, or was something mystical really happening. A modern-day witch trial getting stoked up over villagers' fear and anger, misdirected at the person in their midst who was different and dared to act outside of the norm.

Marjorie is an interesting character, who flips between being helpful to the police and by default, helping her case, to suddenly keeping all her cards to her chest, hiding things which could work in her favour, arguably making her look guilty. At times she is hiding in fear, other times storming straight off into the unknown to confront things. As the narrator of the story she was unpredictable, and you found yourself getting annoyed at her at points, as certain things which happened were almost of her own doing. If she had communicated, or not done that…. Other times you were fully sympathetic, as the portrayal of the witch hunt that ensues is terrifying.

The historical flashbacks are interesting, and the excerpts of the witch trials are emotive. They are interesting side notes to the story, but I am not sure quite how much they add, but are an interesting read. The village was very well written with the Scottish setting rich and vivid, adding to the atmosphere. I enjoyed this story, the twists and turns were plentiful. There were some areas which could have been explored further, but overall, a good read, an interesting mix of criminal investigation meets witch hunt meets supernatural rumblings.

*I received this book from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Trials of Marjorie Crowe by C.S. Robertson

5 Stars ✨

If you're in the mood for a captivating mystery with a touch of the supernatural, "The Trials of Marjorie Crowe" by C.S. Robertson is the perfect read for you. Set against the backdrop of the charming town of Kilgoyne, Scotland, this novel delivers a storyline that will keep you enthralled until the very last page.

Marjorie Crowe, a mysterious and intriguing figure in Kilgoyne, finds herself entangled in a web of suspicion when the body of local teenager Charlie McKee is discovered in the woods. As the events unfold, doubts and accusations swirl around Marjorie, painting her in a sinister light. Is she truly the villain of this tale, or is she a victim of circumstance? The beauty of this narrative lies in its ability to keep readers guessing, presenting a complex and multi-layered protagonist whose true nature remains shrouded in mystery.

What truly sets this book apart is the author's masterful storytelling. Robertson's writing is not only exquisite but also expertly paced, drawing readers in with each carefully crafted sentence. The mystery at the heart of the story is intricately plotted, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will leave you reeling. The modern-day Salem witch vibe adds an eerie and atmospheric element to the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

At the center of it all is Marjorie herself - a character so vividly drawn, so compelling and charismatic, that she leaps off the page and into your heart. Her strength and resilience in the face of adversity make her a protagonist worth rooting for, adding depth and emotion to an already gripping story.

The setting of Kilgoyne is brought to life with vivid descriptions that transport you straight into its winding streets and shadowy woods. The town itself becomes a character in its own right, imbued with secrets and history that add richness to the unfolding mystery.

In conclusion, "The Trials of Marjorie Crowe" is a standout novel that deserves every bit of praise it has received. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and evocative setting, C.S. Robertson has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page is turned. I wholeheartedly award this book 5 stars and eagerly anticipate more captivating tales from this talented author. If you're searching for a book that will keep you spellbound from beginning to end, look no further than this gem.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I really enjoyed this story! I found Marjorie such an interesting character, really well developed. The setting in Scotland helped add to the spooky vibes of this book and I loved the contrast of the original and modern day witch hunts. A really well put together mystery with spooky, witchy vibes! One of the few mysteries I've ever read where I didn't guess the culprit. A great read.

As an older lady living alone in a small Scottish village, Marjorie has long had a reputation as a healer or witch - depending on your point of view. When Marjorie is out on her daily walk and sees one of the local schoolchildren hanging from a noose in a tree it brings back awful memories from her past. But when that same child is seen alive an hour later, only to die by hanging some time after,suspicion falls of course on Marjorie.

Working with the police, she tries to clear her own name and also stop the same thing happening to anyone else but it seems there's darker forces at work who also want Marjorie out of the picture.

Overall I enjoyed this, but at times I felt Marjorie was one dimensional and not that likeable, The insight into the history of witches in Scotland was very well researched and really added to the story.